The 2026 FIFA World Cup featured one of the biggest underdog tales in the event’s historical past.
After increasing to a 48-team format, Cabo Verde made its first World Cup look and confronted two of FIFA’s prime groups (at the time) in No. 1 ranked Argentina and No. 2 ranked Spain.
Messi and Argentina were pushed to the brink of elimination by Cabo Verde. FIFA via Getty Images
Neither Argentina or Spain could defeat Cabo Verde, a nation with a inhabitants of roughly 530,000 individuals, in regulation. The squad pushed Argentina to the brink of elimination in the Round of 32 Friday after forcing additional time with the rating tied 2-2.
Though Cabo Verde finally fell to the soccer juggernaut 3-2, the team ended their journey through the event in the finest approach attainable.
Cabo Verde performed FIFA’s #1 and #2 ranked groups in the world (at the time) this World Cup
Neither team beat Cabo Verde in Regulation pic.twitter.com/k39hWf7LEv
— Underdog (@Underdog) July 4, 2026
Cabo Verde confronted Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay during the group stage, all of which resulted in a draw.
Cabo Verde grew to become the smallest-ever nation to qualify for the knockout rounds at the World Cup and delivered the efficiency of a lifetime against Argentina.
The unlikely hero for Cabo Verde was goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, who is generally recognized as Vozinha. The 40-year-old completed Friday’s match with seven saves, 100% profitable dribbles, 100% floor duels won, two passes into the closing third, eight recoveries and one defensive contribution against Argentina.
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Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha grew to become a common title following his efficiency in the team’s World Cup opener against Spain. Xinhua/Shutterstock
Vozinha put himself on the map when he recorded seven saves on 27 pictures against Spain in Cabo Verde’s World Cup opener. His heroics earned him thousands and thousands of new followers on Instagram, with Vozinha ended the event with more than 18 million further followers.
Regardless of which nation wins the event, Cabo Verde’s World Cup run won’t be forgotten.
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